Arm Cuff

Sewing is easy when it's a super simple design (say that 10 times fast, Cindy Brady). I've had my eye on an arm cuff or two at the store, and then realized they're not really worth $15.00 when you can make it yourself. I had some T-shirt scraps leftover from my T-shirt re-do's and realized I could easily make my own.



The sleeves are a perfect place to start, because they're already hemmed. I'm all about shortcuts, baby. I started by cutting a shape like this:



I cut simple, slightly curved shapes in differing lengths to make different styles of arm warmers and cuffs. Some long, some almost like bracelets, some with thumb holes; but they all have a style all their own. Novelty buttons are usually less than $3.00, or you can take them off of your old clothes. Use outgrown Halloween costumes, fishnet stockings that have a hole in the crotch, ribbon and lace from your baby sister's old hair bow.




If you'd like to add a ribbon to lace up your arm warmer, but have trouble with straight lines, use a strip of tape as a guide. Poke 7 holes on each side and lace up like your shoes.






Try using strips of the screenprinted part of your shirt to create an add-on.




Sew a strip of elastic up the front or cut the bottom like pirate pants for added interest.



You can use zippers, buttons with buttonholes, snaps, safety pins, laced-up ribbon, or hook-and-eyes to secure your band. One thing I've realized is that elastic is your friend!